a photocultural journey with jeffrey davis · remote and rugged westernmost region of mongolia,...

MONGOLIA Photographer’s Mongolia

A Photocultural Journey with Jeffrey DavisAugust 20 - September 2, 2019

nomadicexpeditions.com | 800-998-6634

This adventure across Mongolia will take you both on and off the beaten path. Though designed with an eye on photography, the itinerary also allows one to experience authentic Mongolian culture and history firsthand, with intimate interactions with Mongolia’s people and visits to its most iconic sights.

First, explore the fascinating mix of ancient and modern culture in Ulaanbaatar before setting out for the remote and rugged westernmost region of Mongolia, home to the Altai Mountains. Here, you’ll meet the Kazakhs, Mongolia largest ethnic population, who celebrate a centuries-old tradition of hunting with golden eagles and you’ll have the opportunity to photograph and learn more about their lifestyle. You then journey to Hustain Nuruu National Park where the last wild population of Przewalski horse thrives. Continue overland to mystical Kharakhorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire, where you will explore Erdene Zuu, purportedly constructed from the ruins of the ancient capital. Of course, no visit to Mongolia is complete without a foray into the legendary Gobi Desert. Based at the award winning Three Camel Lodge, visit the majestic, fossil-rich Flaming Cliffs, interact with nomadic families and witness a traditional Naadam celebration; these three days will be especially memorable.

Throughout your journey, Jeffrey will lend his creative talent, tips, insights, and photography experience to guests on this exclusive, small-group journey. During the trip, there will be optional sunrise and sunset excursions, night explorations, and opportunities to produce intimate portraits, cultural documentation, and landscape images. Our goal is to support your interest and passion.

MONGOLIAPhotographer’s Mongolia

A Photocultural Journey with Jeffrey Davis

Day 1 ARRIVE ULAANBAATAR

Welcome to Mongolia!

Upon arrival at the airport you will be welcomed by your private

Nomadic Expeditions guide and driver and transferred to the centrally located Shangri-La Hotel.

(Shangri-La Hotel)

Day 2 EXPLORE ULAANBAATAR

Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. However, in spite of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy. Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers, and the few lamas who survived the purges are training a new generation. Experience these exciting developments firsthand at Gandan Monastery.

We will partake in a private blessing ceremony that you will have the opportunity to photograph, before strolling through the monastery grounds, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras, the teachings of the Buddha. We will also visit the recently renovated Chenrezi and Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid Janraisig, “the lord who looks in every direction.” This 82-foot high gilded statue is clothed with silk and precious stones and completely fills the biggest of Gandan’s temples.

After lunch, drive through downtown Ulaanbaatar to the National History Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life, including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment.

Late afternoon, time permitting, stroll through Sukhbaatar Square, named after the revolutionary leader who commanded the Mongolian army to fight for the nation’s independence from Manchuria with the help of the Russian army in the 1920s. It is also the site of the Great Khans Memorial, built in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Mongolian Empire. After 80 years of Soviet domination, a time during which it was forbidden by the government to utter the words “Chinggis Khan,” many Mongols now celebrate their pride in their great ancestors.

This evening during our welcome dinner, Jeff Davis will share imagery from past exhibits and advocacy projects, discuss portrait and landscape photography, and highlight opportunities for this trip.

(Shangri-La Hotel; B, L, D)

MONGOLIA | SIBERIA | BHUTAN | TIBET | CHINA | NEPAL | INDIA

nomadicexpeditions.com800-998-6634

Y O U R J O U R N E Y

DEPARTURE DATE: AUGUST 20 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

RECOMMENDED FOR:

Travelers with an interest in photography who want to view Mongolia through the lens of their camera and capture unforgettable images. The itinerary is also designed to support companions and other valued guests who appreciate this type of rich, cultural travel and landscape. There are many unique features of this program designed to support travelers with a passion for photography. Non-photographers will find the journey wonderful as well.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Daily access to Jeffrey Davis, a professional landscape and portrait photographer for tutorials, advice, and learning

Optional sunrise, sunset, and potentially nighttime excursions with Jeffrey Davis

Itinerary designed to allow intimate time with local communities so trust and interaction may be established, a must for great photography

Colorful festival, music presentations, and traditional activities (such as hunting with eagles and competing with bows and arrows) with special photographic access

Local guide with deep connections to the people, history, and land to offer insight and education

Small group size of 8 to 14 guests; a four-wheel-drive vehicle for each group of three guests, providing comfort and flexibility.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

4 nights at Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar

3 nights at Three Camel Lodge – 10th Best Hotel in Asia (Conde Nast Traveler “2018 Readers Choice Award”)

2 nights at Nomadic Expeditions Wilderness ger camp

5 nights at additional private ger camps



Day 3 FLY TO ULGII

After an early breakfast, fly to Ulgii, capital of Bayan-Ulgii, Mongolia’s westernmost province on a flight of about three hours. Dominated by the Mongolian Altai Mountains, Mongolia’s highest, this isolated area has preserved the language, culture, and traditions of the Kazakh people who settled here centuries ago.

Ninety percent of the population of Bayan-Ulgii is Kazakh, and there will be ample opportunities to meet local families and experience the rich Kazakh culture. Before driving out to our camp we will explore Ulgii town, visit the local museum to learn more about history of province and its people, walk through the bazaar, where all the locals come to shop for their daily needs - portrait photo op! There is also a small but picturesque mosque that we will visit.

After lunch in town, we drive (3 hours) to our camp site in Altan-Tsugts. Tourism infrastructure is almost non-existent in this part of Mongolia and Nomadic Expeditions sets up a private ger camp for its guests during the season. You will be staying in a Kazakh-style ger furnished with a wooden bed, a table, and chairs made by our Three Camel Lodge carpenter. You will be dining in a restaurant ger and there are two bathroom gers complete with showers and toilets for your convenience.

We reach our camp in time for landscape sunset photography.

Dinner and overnight at the camp. (Nomadic Expeditions Wilderness Ger Camp; B, L, D)

Day 4RIDING WITH EAGLE HUNTERS

We have the day to learn about the art of falconry as we spend the day with a Kazakh family and their golden eagle. Explore the nearby mountain valleys horseback riding alongside the Kazakh and their golden eagle, photograph the landscape, plant life, and wildlife of the surrounding area.

In the evening, we will visit with the Kazakh family, Kazakh women are renowned for their colorful embroidery and textiles, and their gers are beautifully decorated. Handcrafted felt carpets line the floor and delicately embroidered tapestries adorn the walls of their homes. We enjoy a Kazakh dinner, followed by traditional Kazakh music performance - experiencing their culture and way of living first hand. This evening’s events also gives you a great opportunity to try your hand at fill flash, use of tripod and other techniques for low-light photography.

(Nomadic Expeditions Wilderness Ger Camp; B, L, D)

Day 5 ULGII

In the morning, spend time with an Uriankhai archer to learn more about the traditional archery of the Mongols. The Uriankhai tribe is considered one of the most ancient tribes in Mongolia and during domination of Qing Dynasty only these tribe members were allowed to use a bow & arrow. Late afternoon, we drive to Hatuugiin Mountains and overnight at a local ger camp near Ulgii.

(Altai Point Ger Camp; B,L,D)



Day 6 TO HUSTAIN NURUU NATIONAL PARK

VIA ULAANBAATAR

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival drive an hour to Hustain Nuruu National Park, also known as Khustain Nuruu (the birch mountains). This preserve is home to the last remaining species of wild horse, the takhi or Przewalski’s Horse, as it is also commonly known.

Twenty-five years after becoming extinct in the wild, the takhi was reintroduced to the Mongolian steppe from zoo populations by the Foundation for the Preservation and Protection of the Przewalski’s Horse. Sixteen horses were flown from the Netherlands to Mongolia in 1994, and about 280 now roam in reintroduction sites in Mongolia and China. Learn about current conservation efforts and the status of the herds found within the reserve at the visitor’s center, then venture out to spot and photograph these beautiful horses in their natural habitat.

You’ll also visit Ongot, the largest burial complex in Central Asia. This vast plain of tombs is littered with mysterious stone figures from the Turkic period (7th - 9th centuries). They provide historians with a rare, tangible record of the Turkic culture.

Early evening further explore the park looking for the Takhi. The cool weather of the evening and the early morning are best to spot these wild horses.

(Hustain Ger Camp; B, L, D)

Day 7 TO KHARAKHORUM

This morning we start our journey through the Mongolian steppes, heading to Kharakhorum (a four-hour drive), site of the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. The empire, created by Chinggis Khan and his descendants, was the largest contiguous land empire in recorded history, and its scope has never been matched. Travelers in the 13th century were impressed not only with the beauty of Kharakhorum, but also by the internationalism and openness of this city where traders, intellectuals, and clergy enjoyed religious freedom

(Munkh Tenger Ger Camp; B, L, D)

Day 8EXPLORE KHARAKHORUM

Kharakhorum was destroyed in 1388, but traces of this once-magnificent city still exist at Erdene Zuu, Mongolia’s largest monastery, which was reputedly built from its ruins in the 16th century. Surrounded by 108 stupas, Erdene Zuu has been a place of Buddhist activity for centuries. Explore the monastery grounds and observe the monks as they perform their daily prayers and rituals in temples decorated with fine Buddhist art. As we explore the town, we will visit a local school, and time permitting, a museum founded to showcase the research findings from the ancient capital of Mongolia by the Mongolian and German joint archaeological expedition

(Munkh Tenger Ger Camp; B,L,D)



Day 9 ONGIIN HIID

After breakfast, we continue our overland journey south. The landscape slowly changes, vegetation becomes sparser as you make your way into the Middle Gobi.

A drive of four to five hours through spectacular landscape will bring us to ruins of Ongiin Monastery, located in a rocky desert landscape alongside the Ongi River near the district center of Saikhan Ovoo. This 17th century temple, situated in a beautiful mountainous region. Still known as the “Pearl of the Great Desert,” Ongiin Hiid was one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia until its destruction during the communist purges in 1939.

Upon your arrival at Secrets of Ongii Ger Camp, we may some free time to relax in the camp and photography and explore on your own.

(Secrets of Ongii Ger Camp; B,L,D)

Day 10 TO HONGORYN ELS IN THE GOBI

Essentially a travel day as you journey 7-8 hours south to the Gobi desert. The terrain will constantly be changing from the Mongolian steppes with intermittent hills untill you reach the Gurvansaikhan Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for spectacular wildlife as you drive along the mountains for half the day. The Snow leopard, and its main prey species, the Siberian ibex and the Argali sheep all inhabit this area.. The Gurvansaikhan range, literally ‘Three Beauties’ named for its three subranges, is an extension of the

Altai deep into the Gobi dessert. The highest peaks reach up to 2.800 m above sea level.

Late afternoon, you’ll reach Hongoryn Els (tallest sand dunes in Mongolia) located in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. The dunes are always shifting and morphing into patterns that reflect the recent wind and the texture of the sand. At times, the dune fields contract to several hundred meters wide. Other times, the dunes are up to twelve miles wide.

Settle in and explore your camp’s remarkable location - set next to a giant sand dune and a small, flowing stream that supports a field of grass and local herdsmen.

Explore the dunes. Photograph at sunset. Enjoy a relaxing evening in camp. (Gobi Erdene Ger Camp; B,L,D)

Day 11 DRIVE TO THREE CAMEL LODGE

Wake up early for sunrise photography. We have the morning to continue our exploration and photography of the dunes before driving to the Three Camel Lodge.

The Three Camel Lodge was built to complement its natural surroundings and to utilize renewable energy sources, taking advantage of both solar and wind power. Local artisans and workers crafted the roofs of the buildings in accordance with the canons of Mongolian Buddhist architecture, without using a single nail. Simple, natural materials keep the sense of nature flowing throughout the lodge to create a truly enchanting environment.

The main lodge building is a blend of Mongolian artifacts and traditional design, which creates an informal and relaxing

atmosphere where guests can lounge by the central fireplace and dream of present and future journeys. The large wooden porch provides the ideal spot to enjoy the serenity and peacefulness of the Mongolian outback while enjoying the late afternoon sky or brilliant night stars. The stone terraces are the perfect place for travelers to behold the extraordinary view of the desert while enjoying a cold drink from a fully-stocked bar. (Three Camel Lodge; B,L,D)

Day 12 LOCAL NAADAM FESTIVAL

Spend today enjoying the especially arranged Naadam Festival where local nomadic children will compete in the “three manly sports” including wrestling, archery, and horse racing competitions. These three sports traditionally measured the courage, strength, and pride of nomads and warriors, although men, women, boys, and girls all take part in contemporary Naadam games.

Archery: The skill of Mongolian archers and their advanced bow design was a significant asset to Chinggis Khan and his descendants during the years of Mongolian conquest. In the past, sharpshooters would practice by aiming for the heads of marmots.

At today’s Naadam games, small round leather targets are placed at a distance of 60-100 meters from the archers, who still use formidable compound bows made from wood, horn, and sinew. The archers wear a special glove on the thumb and index finger of the right hand and wrap the left arm in soft belts. Referees, lined up next to the targets, mark each hit, raise their hands, and move

around the spot singing a short song of praise. The best archer receives the title of “mergen” or marksman.

Wrestling: Each wrestler wears trunks, an open-fronted long-sleeved silk vest, and ornamental knee boots with upturned toes. Before the wrestling match begins, the wrestlers perform the “eagle’s dance” symbolizing power and invincibility. The wrestler who forces his competitor to touch the ground with his knees or elbow is considered the winner. The victor then repeats the “eagle’s dance,” with his opponent passing under his arm (as though under a wing) as a sign of submission.

Horse racing: Horse racing originally involved adult jockeys and the most popular contests involved riding unbroken horses. Later, so as to ease the burden on horses in long-distance races, the adult riders were replaced by children as young as six years old riding broken horses. The racing is done both with and without saddles, and the horses that take part are two years and older. Depending on the age of the horses, the distance of the races vary from 5 - 30 kilometers. The race’s winner is honored with a cup of airag (fermented mare’s milk), which he or she drinks and sprinkles on the head and croup of the horse. (Three Camel Lodge; B,L,D)

Day 13 THREE CAMEL LODGE

In the morning drive to Yol Valley National Park (2 hours), cradled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved



this surprisingly green valley, and its remnant streams create ice formations that sometimes persist as late as July. A hike through the valley leads to the habitat of indigenous vulture-like Lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Argali mountain sheep. After exploring the valley, visit the local natural history museum for an overview of the flora and fauna of the surrounding area. Return to the lodge.

After lunch visit a nearby nomadic family and spend an afternoon with the family to learn more about a nomadic way of life and help to herd the animals and milk them or perhaps learn how to prepare a milk tea and learn more about herding life. Mongolia is a home to one of the last remaining nomadic cultures in the world and often travelers compare Mongolia with traveling back in time to witness an old way of life that hasn’t changed for centuries.

In the late afternoon, travel to the legendary “Flaming Cliffs” (1 hour), named for the red-orange sandstone which glows brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. It was here, in 1922, that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. To the trained eye, the ancient formations of the Flaming Cliffs are rich with fossils, and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site.

After photographing the sunset on the Flaming Cliffs return to the lodge for a late dinner.

(Three Camel Lodge; B,L,D)

Day 14 FLY TO ULAANBAATAR

After breakfast, transfer to the local airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar.

Upon arrival, visit the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, home of Mongolia’s last theocrat, Bogd Jabtzan Damba Hutagt VIII, which displays elaborate ceremonial robes, other personal effects of Mongolia’s ‘8th Living Buddha.’

Enjoy a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers followed by a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant.

(Shangri-La Hotel; B,L,D)

Day 15 DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport in time for your departing flight.

(B)

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to change the above itinerary if necessary.



ABOUT YOUR TRIP LEADER: JEFF DAVISJeffrey Davis works as a professional photographer, producer, director, and advocate. He has traveled and worked in over fifty countries. Recent exhibitions of his fine art landscape and portrait photography took place at the San Francisco International Airport Museum, Stanford University, The MUMM Fine Art Photography, The Moat Gallery, and other high profile sites. His photographic prints are part of major corporate, nonprofit, and individual collections. Jeff served as Executive Producer for Travels To The Edge, a 26-part-award-winning PBS Series that is broadcast in over 100 countries. He served as a guest lecturer on travel, photography, and advocacy at Canon Digital Learning Centers, Apple Computer, REI, the QE2 Ocean Liner, and other venues and taught introductory photography classes to diverse audiences. He recently produced, directed, and shot short documentary video projects for Genentech and Google and fundraising and advocacy films for a range of nonprofit organizations including PPB (child malnutrition), Resurge (international burn surgery for the poor), and Hope Services (support for adults with developmental disabilities). In 2017, Jeff lived in a remote region of southeastern Sierra Leone for four and a half months to support a health care initiative. His formal education includes an Engineering degree in Product Design with honors from Stanford University and a MBA from Harvard University. He has led photo cultural tours in India, Cuba, Iceland, and other regions of the world.

A small collection of Jeff’s work is below. For more information about his photography and advocacy work, please visit:

http://www.jeffreydavisphotography.comhttp://www.lumenproduction.com

LAND PRICE INCLUDES:

• Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary;

• Transfers upon arrival and departure

• All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy (hotelrooms and gers)

• Meals as noted in itinerary;

• All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;

• Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list, importantinformation about your trip, and luggage tags;

• Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout the tour

• Full time photography assistance by professional photographerJeffrey Davis.

LAND PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• International airfare

• Passport and visa fees

• Comprehensive medical and trip insurance

• Airport taxes; excess baggage charges

• Photography and video fees in Ganden MOnastery and museum

• Tips to guides and drivers

• Food and beverages not included in the group meals

• Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundryand telephone calls

• Other items not specifically mentioned as included.

We would love to share this exceptional adventure with you!

Our Expedition Specialists are available from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM EST, Monday thru Friday

Nomadic Expeditions Inc., | 57 Station Road | Cranbury, NJ 08512 USA

Phone: 800-998-6634 or 609-860-9008 | Fax: 609-860-9608 | Email: [email protected]

2019 PRICING:8 -11 participants: $7925 per person

12 - 14 participants: $6980 per person

Single Supplement: $1285 (Please note that this supplement covers single accommodation in all locations except in Ulgii. Single occupancy is not available at the Ulgii Wilderness Camp)

Internal Airfare: $550 per person (subject to change)

Airfare for international flight is not included.

Please contact us for details.

WHY TRAVEL WITH NOMADIC EXPEDITIONS?

Unrivaled ExpertiseNomadic Expeditions was founded in 1992. Nothing can compete with the experience we have attained over 25 years of designing luxury adventure travel to Asia. While each trip we design is slightly different than its predecessor, our breadth of knowledge, network of contacts, and experience in the field is unrivaled.

Our People We hire the best in the business to create and execute memorable journeys for our clients. From our Expedition Specialists in the United States, Ulaanbaatar, Lhasa, and Thimpu who turn wish lists into reality to our English-speaking, professionally trained guides who share their extensive knowledge of the culture and natural history of our destinations, our staff is what makes Nomadic Expeditions successful.

Passion for Travel While our journeys open your eyes to a whole new world of experiences, we understand that choosing to book a trip with us requires time spent away from friends, family, and work. Your time is precious and we take that to heart. It’s why we design journeys that go beyond a checklist of attractions. When you travel with us, we want you to remember drinking tea with a nomadic family or digging for fossils with a renowned paleontologist. We imbue our trips with encounters, whether it’s with a local resident, a high-ranking government official, or a renowned wildlife conservationist, so you take home more than a set of photographs to frame on your nightstand.

Our Philosophy Nomadic Expeditions was founded on the principle of treading lightly long before sustainable travel was a buzz phrase. Every expedition is undertaken with the greatest respect for the lands we explore and the local people we meet. Those who travel with us do so with the assurance that the preservation and protection of the ecosystems and cultures we visit is of the utmost importance to us, both as individuals and as a company. Respect for the places we travel to is at the heart of everything we do, but over our 25 years we have realized additional opportunities where we can lend a hand. We have gone beyond simply treading lightly and have wholeheartedly partnered with local communities and regions. Read more about our sustainable practices and philanthropic efforts here.

All photographs on final page are copyrighted by Jeffrey Davis.

nomadicexpeditions.com | 800-998-6634

a photocultural journey with jeffrey davis · remote and rugged westernmost region of mongolia,...

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